Many of the moms of Nuevo Camino gathered last month to hear Erika share her powerful and inspiring story with our women’s network.

The last Thursday of every month, women across the country have gathered to hear the women of Nuevo Camino share their stories of overcoming hardship. We have continued to find that we are truly BETTER TOGETHER and there is a power, as women, in supporting and encouraging each other.

Last month, Erika shared her powerful story and left us looking forward to the next time together. We will gather virtually and in person on October 25 at 8pm for our next call. More details of who will share to come!

Let’s keep building this Nuevo Camino and new global community! Here are two ways you can get involved:[Read more…]

The last Thursday of every month, Something New and the women of Nuevo Camino host a call to connect, inspire, and build this network of women. This call, Erika, one of the first moms to go through Nuevo Camino in Cusco, Peru, shares her story of hardship and overcoming. Our next call will be on October 25!

Once together in the women’s shelter, Erika (right) who will share her story on September’s call, and Elena (left) have become close, supportive friends.

“Blessed are the cracked, for they shall let in the light.”
Groucho Marx

Last month, Yoli and Erika shared with us stories of hardships and overcoming. We would all say that through their cracks, a beautiful light shined. We have not all gone through the same situations, but THERE ARE SOME THINGS WE HAVE IN COMMON, AS WOMEN. We have all been broken, lost, and hopeless at times. And, we have all needed someone to encourage and support us — we are finding out that we are truly BETTER TOGETHER.

Many you of have asked to hear more of Erika’s story and to have more time together. Join us on September 27th for just that! You will laugh, you will cry, and you will be inspired.

Most of all, we will connect through our struggles and our victories. And we will keep creating a global community of like-hearted women who can lift each other up and cheer each other on.

On any given day, you’ll find Erika trekking through the streets of Cusco, Peru toting a 50-pound cooler of papas rellenas. And when you do find her, do yourself a favor and buy that tater. Once you’ve tasted these traditional stuffed potatoes, just thinking of them is enough to make you salivate. Even though it’s harder, Erika would rather carry her cooler than push a cart because it gives her the mobility to find business instead of waiting for it.

Erika’s bright smile and gratitude reflect little of the history that landed her in the women’s shelter where we found her. She was raped at 16 and the resulting pregnancy forced her to drop out of high school. Though she couldn’t provide for the child, who lived with her parents, she longed to simply share a meal with him. Her second son has a heart defect and, like any mom, she worries about being able to provide for his medical needs.

Yes, Erika’s life has been difficult, but you won’t find her talking about her past much. She’s more interested in working toward her future. She once made and sold enough gelatin parfaits (at 30 cents a piece) to buy a piece of land for 3,000 soles. That’s 10,000 gelatin parfaits in just one year!

Erika’s two most dearly-held goals are to

Live with and provide for both of her kids and her younger sister

Build a home on that gelatin-funded land so her kids will always have a place to live

This mom-trepreneur, with her big heart and strong fight, represents the Nuevo Camino!